Sterling Ranch: Growth, Grit, and Gritty Questions | Denver News

Sterling Ranch, a sprawling master-planned community in Douglas County, is booming—just 20% of its 16,000 homes built so far, but poised to house 30,000. Once a working ranch, it’s now a fast-growing hub shaped by the Smethills family, who’ve delivered over 3,000 homes and keep the Western spirit alive with annual cattle drives. Early residents grapple with construction chaos and lost quiet nights, while amenities like schools and the upcoming Zebulon sports complex (with shops, restaurants, and a hotel) slowly roll in. Critics raise red flags over Zebulon’s funding, environmental scars from past industrial use, and infrastructure strain. Developers counter that Colorado’s housing crisis demands bold solutions—and they’re building a vibrant, livable future for thousands. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3330267e0e1390d0